NFL Icon and Army Veteran Passes Away, Survived by Three Children

The National Football League has just lost an iconic player who made history for the sport. Wally Triplett has passed away.

Wally was 92 years old at the time of his death. He is best known for being the first African American to be drafted and play in an actual NFL game. He was drafted in 1949 by the Detroit Lions after finishing college at Penn State.

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“As the first African American to be drafted and to play in the National Football League, Wally is one of the true trailblazers in American sports history,” the Lions said in a statement. “He resides among the great men who helped reshape the game as they faced the challenges of segregation and discrimination.”

Wally had a successful career in the professional league. He made a number of great players and was a terrific teammate. He even set NFL records that lasted for years. Just weeks after a career best performance, Wally was drafted into the U.S. Army.

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"He served two years during the Korean War and then played two more seasons, with the Chicago Cardinals," reported Fox News.

Wally leaves behind three children, six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Please join us in praying for them during this sad time. We hope that memories of Wally, and a faith in Jesus, will comfort them through his loss.

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